Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation

What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be necessary to diagnose any number of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation of a child, adolescent, or adult is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and educational components that may be affected as a result of the behaviors presented.

Who is evaluated?

Many times, families, spouses, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause him or her to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It's important for families who suspect a problem in one, or more, of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is available.

What is involved in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?

The following are the most common components of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. However, each evaluation is different, as each individual's symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include:

Description of behaviors present (for example, when do the behaviors occur, how long does the behavior last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often occur)

Description of symptoms noted (physical and psychiatric symptoms)

Effects of behaviors or symptoms as related to:

Work performance

School performance

Relationships and interactions with others (such as, spouse, coworkers, family members, or neighbors)

Family involvement

Activity involvement

Psychiatric interview

Personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders

Complete medical history, including description of the individual's overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any treatments currently being administered

Laboratory tests, in some cases (may be used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present), including:

Blood tests

Radiology studies to look for abnormalities, particularly in the brain structures

Educational assessments

Speech and language assessments

Psychological assessments

When a family member is being evaluated

It's natural, and quite common, for spouses and family members to question themselves when it becomes necessary for a loved one to be psychiatrically evaluated. You may have many questions and concerns as to his or her welfare and emotional well-being. Common questions frequently asked include:

What is wrong with my spouse, family member, or loved one?

Is he or she abnormal?

Did I do something wrong in my relationship with him or her to cause this?

Does he or she need to be hospitalized?

Will he or she require treatment?

Will he or she "outgrow" or stop performing these behaviors at some point?

Is this just "a phase" he or she is going through?

What will treatment cost?

Where do we go for help?

What does this diagnosis mean?

How can my family become involved?

Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment is extremely important for any individual with a mental health disorder. The doctor or mental health practitioner will address questions and provide reassurance by working with you to establish long-term and short-term treatment goals for your loved one.